Top 5 - Beaches near Lisbon

Summer is here, and it is time to enjoy the sun and there’s no place like the beach to do so.

One of the good things about Lisbon is its location, a feature that makes it one of the few European capitals to have the most diverse offers to those who visit us.

In Lisbon one can enjoy the culture that the city has to offer, a secular history to learn and several
nearby beaches to visit. The beach is not the main reason why tourists visit Lisbon, but once you’re here there are beaches at half hour away, which make it pretty easy to visit and enjoy.

Here we introduce you to the Top 5 – Beaches near Lisbon that you should visit in case you’re looking to get a Portuguese tan:

1 – Caparica
An unbeatable beachfront that stretches for many miles. It is one of the main destinations for locals and it features the Transpraia, a train that connects Caparica town to Fonte da Telha beach.

2 – Grande
Very popular amount surfers and body boarders, Praia Grande has the longest unbroken stretch of sand in the area, offering a good variety of bars and restaurants.

3 – Carcavelos
This is the broadest and longest beach along the Estoril coast and although near to Lisboa, Carcavelos still offers good water quality.

4 - Lagoa de Albufeira and Meco
Located in the Southern part of Caparica in a unique setting these beaches are only accessible by car. Lagoa de Albufeira, a lagoon popular for windsurfing and Meco famous for the traditional and picturesque village.

5 - Estoril and Cascais 
At 30 min distance in a train ride from Lisbon, these beaches get very crowded because of the size and are supported by a huge variety of bars and restaurants.

Top 5 – 2017’s most visited Museums

The Directorate General for Cultural Heritage just released the information regarding the most visited museums during the 1st trimester of 2017.

According to several publications, Lisbon is one of the cities to visit in 2017, and among the features mentioned by all of them are Lisbon’s cultural and historical richness.

The Directorate General for Cultural Heritage, the organism in charge of museums and monuments, released the number of visitors all through the 1st trimester. As expected, the Museu Nacional dos Coches, just reopened, was the most visited museum of the 1st trimester, with an increase of 1,4%,  followed by Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, but the big surprises come from the Museu Nacional de
Arqueologia and the Museu Nacional dos Azulejos both presenting good results, with increases around 20%, as seen below on the top 5.

1. Museu Nacional dos Coches - 70.227 visitors
2. Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga - 47.089 visitors
3. Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea Chiado - 46.973 visitors
4. Museu Nacional de Arqueologia - 38.301 visitors
5. Museu Nacional do Azulejo - 33.568 visitors

Top 5 – Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

This week we’ll write about the most important Portuguese museum, Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga.

Created in 1884, and located in the Palácio Alvor for almost 130 years, the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga has had its current title for more than a century. It is home to the most important Portuguese public collection of art, ranging from paintings to sculpture, and gold and silverware, as well as decorative arts from Europe, Africa and the Far East.

Containing over 40,000 items, the museum collection has the largest number of works classified by the State as “national treasures”. In its various sections, it also has a number of major works of art in the context of the world artistic heritage.

In this small article, we will give you the top 5 features not to miss, when visiting this treasure of Portuguese Culture.

1 – Tentações de Santo Antão

Signed by Bosh this three-paneled painting displays the Earth’s four elements, making them the background of horrifying characters, it is one of the museum’s treasures and one of the world’s great paintings.

2 – Portuguese and Chinese Ceramics

The museum’s 7,500-piece collection of ceramics illustrates the interplay of influences. From the 16th century, Portuguese faïence shows traces of Ming, while the Chinese porcelain features coats of arms and other Portuguese motifs.

3 – Painel de São Vicente

Perhaps the most important Portuguese painting, the six paintings attributed to Nuno Gonçalves is a solemn and monumental assembly, representing the Court and various groups of Portuguese society at the time.

4 – Santo Agostinho

This mid-15th century work by Piero della Francesca was identified in 1946 as the missing panel of an altarpiece painted for the church of St Augustine in Borgo San Sepolcro, Italy.

5 - Namban Screens

After encountering Portuguese travelers in the 16th century, Japan’s artists portrayed them as namban-jin, or “southern barbarians”. The screens were not meant to be shown outside Japan.

Top 5 – Sé Catedral

Built in the second half of the twelfth century, the Sé Catedral (Lisbon Cathedral), is one of the most important landmarks of Lisbon.  

Constructed after Dom Afonso Henriques had taken Lisbon from the Moors, it stands on the site once occupied by the city’s main mosque. The Romanesque building that we see today is a mix of various architectural styles due to the various renovations that occurred after the earthquakes.

The cathedral is also an important archeological site, the excavation made to reinforce the buildings foundation allowed new finds beneath the cloister.

These are the 5 top spots not to miss when you’re visiting the Sé Catedral:

1 – Cloister
The Gothic cloister, with some of its decoration anticipating the Manueline style, can be reached through one of the ambulatory’s chapels.

2 – Bell towers
These stocky towers – defining features of the construction – echo those of Coimbra’s cathedral, built a few years earlier by Frei Roberto.

3 – St. Anthony’s Font
Tradition states that St. Anthony was baptized in this font, which now bears a tile panel of the Saint preaching to the fishes.

4 – Archeological Finds
Remains left by Moors, Visigoths, Romans and Phoenicians have been found during the cloister’s excavation.

5 – Rose Window
Reconstructed with fragments from its original, the rose window softens the façade, but unfortunately lets in only a limited quantity of light.

Top 5 – Palácio de Queluz

Today we will write about one of the most beautiful Palaces in Portugal, the Palácio de Queluz in Sintra, just about 15 minutes from Lisbon.

Palácio de Queluz (Parques de Sintra/Emigus)

The Palácio Nacional de Queluz is an eighteenth century palace, located in Queluz and is one of the
last great Rococo buildings in Europe. The palace was built as a summer retreat for D. Pedro de Bragança, between 1747 and 1752.

It is known as a mini Versailles due to its exquisite Rococo palace and formal gardens and we’ll give you 5 features not to be missed when visiting this magnificent piece of history.


1 – Throne Room
Competing in splendor with the Ambassadors’ Room, and with a splendid oval, domed ceiling, the Throne Room also serves as ballroom, church and theatre.

2 – Gardens
Two formal gardens, the Neptune Garden and the Malta Garden, fill the space between the palace’s two asymmetric wings.

Palácio de Queluz (Parques de Sintra/Carlos Pombo)

3 – Dom Quixote Chamber
The inlaid circular-pattern floor and domed ceiling make this square room look round. It was named after the painted scenes from Dom Quixote that it contains.

4 – Robillion Staircase
This beautifully flowing staircase links the lower parkland area to the palace and formal gardens. It is flanked by an arcade with a water cascade flowing into a tiled canal where in the past, the royal family went boating.


5 – Ambassadors’ Room
The magnificent Ambassadors’ Room was used for diplomatic audiences, and it is opulently decorated with stucco work and painted and glided carved woodwork.

Top 5 - Castelo de São Jorge

Lisbon has much to see, a lot of cultural and historic richness that we’ll try to surmise. Today we’ll talk about what is traditionally regarded as the site of Lisbon’s founding settlement, the Castelo de São Jorge.

Every monument or museum has much to offer and it is impossible to write about all here, so we will give some pointers that will help you discover the best Lisbon’s has to offer.

Castelo São Jorge, is a hilltop castle from the Moorish era, captured by Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, in 1147. 

Restored in 1938, the castle offers some of the most attractive viewpoints of Lisbon, and these are the 5 top features not to be missed:

1 – Porta de São Jorge

This grand gate gives onto the final steep climb up the castle grounds. In a wall niche to the left is a figure of St. George.

2 – Statue of Afonso Henriques

This bronze statue of Portugal’s first king was added to the esplanade in 1947 and it is a copy of the original located in Guimarães.

3 – Castle Museum

On the site of the historic Alcáçovas palace, this museum contains a collection of artifacts excavated from the hilltop.

4 – Torre de Ulisses

In one of the inner battlement towers, a camera obscure attached to the periscope projects images of the city.

5 – Inner Battlements

The reconstruction of the inner castle is one of the great achievements of the 1938 restoration. With ten towers and a dividing inner wall, the restored castle matches, as far as possible, the original’s layout and size.

Top 5 – Blog posts of 2016

Another year is coming to an end and in 2016 we reached a new maximum in terms of visits and interaction with our posts, our sincere thanks to all of you.

Throughout the year, we’ve tried to share the most relevant information regarding events taking place in the city, news about awards or recommendations from our Concierge Desk. We were happy to know that many of you found the information valid and useful in order to plan your visit to Lisbon.

These are the most visited posts of 2016, and this Top 5 shows how diverse our histories were: ranked
in 1st place is an article by Ann Abel a journalist from the magazine Forbes who visited Lisbon and felt in love with our beautiful city, in 2nd an exhibition that took place at the MUDE (now in renovations), in 3rd and 4th places are some recommendations from our Concierge about the best beaches near Lisbon and the best restaurants, last but not least a new contemporary art map available in Lisbon.

1 - 12 reasons to love Lisbon
Although the piece is titled “12 reasons to love Lisbon” the author highlights the fact that “of course there are more than 12 reasons to love Lisbon” mentioning across the vast article, the low cost, the excellence of our cuisine, the palaces and historic architecture, culture, the vibrating atmosphere and, obviously, the friendly attitude and the unique way of welcoming the tourists.

2 - Break Down the Walls! Viva Design and the Arts
In exhibition until September 25th, Break Down the Walls! Viva Design and the Arts, approaches the MACE and MUDE collections comparatively. The exhibition, presented at the Sala Risco in Pateo da Galé, sparks a dialogue between two distinct focal points of the collections of MUDE – Museum of Design and Fashion and MACE – Museum of Contemporary Art of Elvas, highlighting the resemblances between fine and decorative arts but escaping from a historical speech or a temporal dimension to develop a more transversal, inquiring and open reading.

3 - Top 5 - Beaches near Lisbon
Summer is just around the corner so, it is time to enjoy the sun and there’s no place like the beach to do so. One of the good things about Lisbon is its location, a feature that makes it one of the few European capitals to have the most diverse offers to those who visit us.

4 - Top 5 – Lisbon Restaurants
Lisbon is, nowadays, one of the major destinations in Europe, famous for its culture, history, sun and of course its restaurants. In the last couple of years, following the increase of the number of tourists visiting Lisbon, several new restaurants or spaces opened to the public, creating opportunities for new ideas to come alive.

5 - Art Map – Contemporary Art Lisbon
There’s a new map of Lisbon: the map of Lisbon’s Contemporary Art or simply the Art Map. Launched recently in 2 languages, Portuguese and English, the Art Map is available online or in paper. Updated annually, the map gathers a series of Contemporary Art spaces in Lisbon, featuring the program of galleries, museums, foundations and other cultural venues.

Top 5 – Alternative Lisbon

This week we leave the traditional sightseeing scenarios and dive into 5 different experiences that will help you to know Lisbon from a different perspective.  

There are many ways to discover Lisbon and its history and this week we’ll present you a scary way, a detective way, a knowledgeable way, a wet way and an amphibian way, stay tuned.

1 – Labirinto Lisboa
Labirinto Lisboa offers you a ride back in time to witness, first hand, Portugal’s darkest historical characters and legends come to life.
Labirinto Lisboa is the first Portuguese horror house, in the heart of historic Lisbon, near Cais do Sodré and Mercado da Ribeira. It is a permanent haunted attraction, with an immersive entertainment experience that combines live scare actors with special effects, across different environments, where guests explore a winding labyrinth of dark passageways and surprising chambers.
They're dying to meet you!

2 – Lisbon Escape Hunt
Known as the “most innovative team building experience in Lisbon”, Lisbon Escape Hunt offers a
state of the art gameplay.
Imagine an activity where you can combine teamwork, communication, mystery, concentration and a great deal of laughter, whilst everyone is having fun. Well, that is exactly what turns Lisbon Escape Hunt into a unique and creative activity.
If you have a group larger than 20 people, they can also come up with a joint team event, specifically tailored to your needs.
Boost Tourism created something unique using the latest gadgets available in Live Escape Games worldwide.


3 – Pavilion of Knowledge
This is the largest interactive science center in Lisbon, originally built as part of the 1998 Lisbon World Fair as one of its most iconic pavilions - the Pavilion of the Knowledge of the Seas. During the event, visitors from all over the world were invited on a journey across the seas from a historical,
technical and human perspective.
The main exhibition hall was designed to accommodate a ship from São Jacinto Shipyards. With an architectural project from the atelier J.L. Carrilho da Graça and an exhibition design produced by the atelier ARX Portugal, this was one of the most visited pavilions of the EXPO´98, with 2,543,914 visitors.
In 1999, the venue opened again as a science center:  the Pavilion of Knowledge – Ciência Viva. Since then it has been receiving hundreds of visitors each day and became an institution of reference for the promotion of scientific and technological culture in the Portuguese society.

4 – Oceanário
Another “son” of EXPO´98, the Oceanário de Lisboa is a large public aquarium whose prestige is widely recognized, not only in Lisbon and Portugal but also across the world and has etherealized the centuries-old bond between Lisbon and the ocean.
Its exceptional exhibitions and the architectural features of its buildings, full of symbolism, allows a unique, unforgettable experience. The Oceanário consists of two buildings connected by a large forecourt: the original Oceans Building and the new Sea Building. The forecourt, from which the exhibitions and the educational area can be accessed, boasts a magnificent panel featuring 55 thousand tiles.
Visited by about 1 million people every year, the Oceanário is the most popular cultural attraction in Portugal.

5 - Hippotrip
Prepare yourself for 90 minutes of fun, laughter, and adventure, all wrapped up in the most unusual
sightseeing experience of Lisbon!
Aboard an amphibious vehicle, one can explore the heart of Portugal’s capital, by land and river, without leaving the comfort of your own seat. Is it a bus? Is it a boat? Well, it’s both…. so get ready to plunge into the Tagus River with a big smile on your face!
Prepare to be entertained by lively animators, who will share myths, legends and curiosities. Don’t expect a "traditional” sightseeing tour with a "traditional” guide, but rather a memorable experience that will leave you shouting out loud… Hippo, Hippo, Hooray!!!!!!

Top 5 – Shopping in Lisbon

This week we bring you the top 5 districts to do some shopping in Lisbon.

Besides its history, culture and night life, Lisbon has also plenty to offer shopping wise. We have put

together the 5 most important districts where you can find some of the best shops in Lisbon.

The majority of districts and shops are pretty close to the hotel, which makes it even easier to visit.

1 – Baixa
Most of the Baixa’s charm lies with the resistant shopkeepers who still stand behind wooden counters and do the sums on bits of paper, these cases are few and today the famous Rua Agusta is lined with the modern chains.

2 – Bairro Alto
A perfect combination between traditional and trendy shops, Bairro Alto competes with the big shopping centers by also offering night-time shopping in a much cooler setting, and with the possibility of sipping a drink while you shop.

3 – Avenida da Liberdade
Lisbon’s grand avenue hosts several international designers in a perfect setting for a walk.

4 – Chiado 
This is traditionally the quarter with Lisbon’s most elegant shops, but Chiado as grown and has now the most diverse and rewarding shops in the city, in a mix of quiet streets and energetic squares.

5 – Rua de São Bento and Rua da Escola Politécnica
Although they are not on the same district, they are close enough for a walk between them, both of them have the highest concentration of antiques and second –hand shops in the city.

Top 5 - Exhibitions in September

As summer fades away, September brings you the end of numerous exhibitions taking place in Lisbon.

Contemporary art, architecture, photography and much more is what Lisbon has to offer in several exhibitions taking place across the city, here’s the list:

1 – Summer Guests ( Museu Calouste Gulbenkian)
Summer Guests brings contemporary artists to the Museum, proposing new exhibition contexts that
highlight cross-cutting and unexpected relationships and formal or conceptual proximity of works from different eras.

2 –Eduardo Souto de Moura Continuity (Centro Cultural de Belém)
Winner at the 10thIbero-American Bienal of Achitectureand Urbanism this year, Eduardo Souto de Moura is anessential figure in the current architectural landscape, whose recognition at a national and international level is indicative of the influences and models which have accompanied him and the options and paths he has chosen in his work, and where symbolism and analogy have played a fundamental role in the architectural compositions of this Porto native.

3 – Shadows, Masks and Puppets from the Museu da Marioneta Collection (Cordoaria Nacional)
Four visual artists – António Viana, Francisco Tropa, Jorge Queiroz e Susanne Themlitz – were invited to work with pieces found in the four main areas of the Museum collection: shadows, masks, puppets and Portuguese puppets in particular. The outcome leads the visitor on a journey through scenarios where puppets take on new roles, integrating and interacting with the pieces created by each guest artist, without diluting their cultural significance as markers of the long and wide-ranging history of puppet theatre.

4 – Terry O’Neill – Faces of the Stars (Centro Comercial Colombo)
Part of the 6th edition of the project “Art Came to Colombo” the exhibition of the British photographer brings together 50 portraits of stars on the rise such as David Bowie, The Beatles, Brigitte Bardot, Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford and Amy Winehouse.

5 – Second Nature (Museu de Arte, Arquitectura e Tecnologia)
Bringing together half a century of works by 26 artists from different generations, Second Nature is the first in a series of overviews that the Museu de Arte, Arquitectura e Tecnologia dedicates to the collection of contemporary art of the EDP Foundation, while including debates about the natural world and its different interpretations.

Sightseeing Tours by our Head Concierge

Find out our Head Concierge’s recommendations regarding sightseeing tours. He elected the best 5 but there’s many more to discover.

It might sound cliché but, when you find yourself in a new city, sightseeing in the regular tour buses is a simpler and safer way to know the city.

Simpler, because you will be able to have an official guide, probably in your own language, that will provide you with educated information about the sights to visit. Safer, because if you’re visiting the city for the first time it is very easy to get lost and loose precious time and therefore not being able to visit Lisbon’s most important monuments, districts or landmarks.

So, with the help of our Head Concierge, we’ve put together the Top 5 – Sightseeing Tours not to miss, when visiting Lisbon and its surroundings.

It’s a rather big list but, in the end, it all comes down to the time you have to visit the city. You probably won’t have time to see them all so, choose with the help of one of our Concierges, the ones that will suit your plans.

1 – Évora (wine tour)
A journey through the vast plains of Alentejo passing by a landscape filled with olive groves, cork oak and vine surrounding the charming city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s wealth of history, architecture, cuisine and shapes. Before returning to Lisbon, in the evening, we will visit Herdade do Esporão.



2 – Fátima
Visit some of the most important Portuguese historical sites. Get to know the town of Óbidos surrounded by mediaeval walls and dotted with whitewashed houses. Gaze on the impressive Gothic churches of the monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha (UNESCO World Heritage) and stop for lunch in picturesque Nazaré. This tour also includes the imposing sanctuary at Fátima, a centre of Catholic faith attracting pilgrims from all over the world.

3 – Sintra
Be dazzled by the charming fantasy of Pena Palace, the most notable example of Portuguese
Romantic architecture. Discover the town of Sintra (UNESCO World Heritage), which enchanted kings and inspired poets. Breathe in the beauty of the landscape at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The day ends along the coast, stopping off at the towns of Cascais and Estoril.

4 – Arrábida & Sesimbra

After crossing 25th of April Bridge, the first stop is Sesimbra, famous for its beaches and fish restaurants. From here we climb up to Sesimbra Castle where you can enjoy the panoramic views. Later on, in Azeitão, we´re going to visit one of the oldest and most important wine cellars in Portugal (Caves José Maria da Fonseca) and taste the traditional Moscatel of Setúbal. Panoramic view of the beautiful Arrábida Mountain Range and stop at Setúbal to get to know its city centre. Return to Lisbon on Europe´s longest bridge: the Vasco da Gama Bridge.

5 - Lisbon Classic
Come and discover our magnificent city. Unveil the history and traditions of Lisbon on this visit to the monuments to the golden era of Portuguese Discoveries, the most traditional neighbourhoods and the city´s most emblematic museum. Don´t miss out on this opportunity to get to know Lisbon and taste Portugal´s famous port wine.

Top 5 – Fado Restaurants

What would Lisbon do without Fado? We will never know because one thing cannot exist without the other so, when visiting Lisbon, save one night for listening to Fado.

We have talked here before about the origins and history of Fado and today, assisted once more by our Head Concierge, Mr. Gonçalves, we bring to you the Top 5 – Fado Restaurants, where you can hear and feel the real Fado music.

1 - Clube de Fado
The Restaurant "Clube de Fado" is located in the heart of Alfama and close to the renowned Lisbon Cathedral. This is the place to enjoy excellent Portuguese traditional cooking, the sound of a Portuguese guitar and to hear some of the greatest Portuguese Fado singers in a unique, warm,
romantic and almost mystical atmosphere!

2 – O Faia
Founded in 1947, “O Faia” is still a reference in Lisbon’s nightlife: it offers daily Fado evenings, in which big names have always been present - starting with the founder, Lucilia do Carmo. Nowadays, Lenita Gentil is the lead singer.
The cuisine is headed by the talent and dedication of Chef André Pola and his team, creating dishes from bases, marinades, seasonings and spices which are always part of the Portuguese cuisine, combined with the excellence and freshness of the season products.

3 – A Severa
Inaugurated in 1955, it is one of Lisbon´s oldest Fado houses and it is still managed by its original family of owners, located in one of the city´s oldest and most emblematic neighborhoods, the Bairro Alto. The restaurant offers a chance to savor and experience local traditions, by spending an agreeable night featuring the flavors of traditional Portuguese cuisine.

4 – Timpanas
Located in the quarter of Alcântara, a bit off the center of Lisbon, “Timpanas” is famous for its Fado
and Folclore (Portuguese typical dance) shows offering a cuisine with Portuguese’s most traditional flavors.

5 - Parreirinha de Alfama
“Parreirinha de Alfama” started as a charcoal selling store and a tavern and, over the decades that followed 1950, became a place of reference for Fado and good cuisine lovers, by the hand of the Fado legend, Argentina Santos.

Top 5 – Lisbon Restaurants

Lisbon is, nowadays, one of the major destinations in Europe, famous for its culture, history, sun and of course its restaurants.

In the last couple of years, following the increase of the number of tourists visiting Lisbon, several new restaurants or spaces opened to the public, creating opportunities for new ideas to come alive.

Portugal is well-known for its gastronomy but with the rise of young chefs with new concepts, a more audacious cuisine, which soon turned into Michelin Stars. Now, Lisbon hosts some of Europe’s best restaurants. With help from our Head Concierge here’s the top 5:

1 – Eleven
A Modernist window box at the top of Parque Eduardo VII is the setting for Lisbon’s most sophisticated contemporary restaurant. Joachim Koerper is the chef behind the meticulously prepared food.

2 – Tágide
Featuring creations by Nuno Diniz, Tágide has been for the past thirty years one of Lisbon’s most prestigious restaurants in Lisbon, located in a exquisite eighteenth century building in the heart of Chiado, boasts one of the most amazing views over the city and the Tagus river.

3 – Solar dos Nunes
Established in 1988, the Solar dos Nunes has the unique touch of the family owned businesses.
Specialized in the traditional Portuguese cuisine, it respects Portuguese most ancestral values both in its techniques as in the excellence of the products.

4 – Belcanto 
Opened in 1958, in Chiado, the Belcanto was bought by Chef José Avillez in 2011 who started an extensive refurbishment. It re-opened in the beginning of 2012, totally renewed and was the first restaurant in Lisbon to be distinguished with two Michelin stars, in 2012 and 2014.

5 - Largo
Established in one of the most iconic areas of Lisbon, the Largo do Teatro S. Carlos, in Chiado, the space mixes aspects of the original construction of the cloisters, with modern, bold design in a combination of architectural concepts absolutely unique.

Top 5 - Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

Based on the private collections of oil millionaire Calouste Gulbenkian, this is one of the most important Lisbon’s museums.

The project for the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Museum, inaugurated in 1969, was the result of a limited competition that took place from, 1959 to 1960 between three teams of architects.

The permanent exhibition galleries are distributed in chronological and geographical order to create two independent circuits within the overall tour, in a collection that now totals over 6,000 pieces from all over the world and dating from antiquity until the early twentieth century (including examples
from ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, Babylonia, Armenia, Persia, Islamic Art, Europe, and Japan).

Calouste Gulbenkian revealed his passion for art early, reflecting in part his origins in Cappadocia--a major crossroads of religions and art--and Constantinople--another crossroads of civilizations and the capital of the Romans, Greeks, and Ottoman Turks.

Throughout his life, he assembled an eclectic and unique collection that was influenced by his travels and his personal taste, and sometimes involved lengthy and complex negotiations with the leading experts and specialist dealers.

It was hard to find the Top 5 features not to miss when visiting this wonderful museum but, here they are.

1 – Eastern Islamic Art
A large gallery shows a wide-ranging collection of manuscripts, carpets, textiles and ceramics, from Persia, Turkey, Syria, the Caucasus and India, dating from the twelfth to the eighteenth centuries.

2 – Diana Statue
This masterpiece of French eighteenth-century sculpture, by Houdon gives Diana an original treatment, presenting her naked and running, in contrast with the static and idealized Diana of his predecessors, dressed in a tunic as a symbol of virginity.

3 - St. Catherine and St. Joseph
Two paintings by the 15th-century Flemish master Rogier van der Weyden are believed to be parts of an altarpiece that was dismantled for unknown reasons been the third element is in London’s National Gallery.

4 – Boy Blowing Bubbles
This Édouard Manet painting from 1867 which the theme is, Vanitas, or the fleeting nature of life symbolized by the soap bubbles, was given a unique interpretation by the author.

5 – Lalique Collection
Gulbenkian was a close friend of the French Art Nouveau jeweler René Lalique (1860-1945) and its collection of works is quite exceptional for the quality of the jewelry and other objects, particularly the glass, which, because of its quality and consistency is considered to be quite unique.

Top 5 - New Year’s Resolutions

2016, we’ve made it! After all the partying, all the eating and all the drinking, what’s left? The resolutions, the New Year’s Resolutions!

One way or the other we’ve all done our resolutions, either just for fun or really meaning it, we all have that issue we want to change and we trust on New Year’s Eve to make it happen.

A New Year's resolution is a tradition, most common in the West, in which a person makes a pledge to do an act of self-improvement or to do something nice towards the world, starting on New Year's Day.

The religious origins go back to the Babylonians who promised their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts, but traces of these tradition can also be found in the Roman era where, when each year began, Romans made promises to the God Janus, after who the month of January is named.

Some of the most common resolutions or goals include actions such as: donate to the poor more often, to become more assertive, or to become more environmentally aware.

Here’s our top 5:

1 - Lose weight
This one is probably on everyone’s list and it can have some specific variations such as, eat healthy food or practice more exercise.

2 - Quit smoking
This is an old one, probably less used now but still on many people’s list, and on 2016 it will be even harder to be a smoker in Lisbon, a new law prohibits smoking indoors, including in the Hotel Avenida Palace.

3 - Get a promotion 
At this point of the economy a “keep your job” resolution would be enough, but it is important to be optimist and so to get a promotion or a better job or just start your own business, are all resolutions that could be on the list.

 4 - Self improve
This one is wide and includes several small steps that for sure will make you a better person. Steps such as becoming more organized, something that can be done by managing your time better or perhaps by watching less television, to reduce stress or finally, just to be less grumpy.

5 - Take a trip
Not on everyone’s list but it should be, travelling is the ultimate “problem solving” therapy and for sure it will help you achieve the remaining items on our list, and we even throw in a suggestion… Lisbon.

Happy New Year!

Top 5 – Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Built in the beginning of the 16th century, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery) is one of the most important Portuguese landmarks.

Built by Diogo de Boytac and finally by Jerónimo de Ruão, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos was a way of D. Manuel I to honor Infante D. Henrique and his devotion to Nossa Senhora and S. Jerónimo.

The Monastery is a cultural reference that has not escaped artists, writers and travelers during its five centuries of existence, it is also the burial place of kings and even poets.

Today, it is admired by everyone, and not only as a remarkable piece of architecture but as an integral part of the Portuguese culture and identity. It was declared a National Monument in 1907 and in 1983 UNESCO classified it as "Cultural Heritage of all Humanity".

We’ll leave you with the top 5 spots not to miss when visiting the Jerónimos.

1 – Cloister
Used mainly for the isolation of the monastic community, it was a pleasant and serene place that allowed prayer, meditation and recreation of the monks of the Order of S. Jerónimo. The cloister is a lesson in Manueline tracery and lavish ornament.

2 – Refectory 
It was built between 1517 and 1518 by Master Leonardo Vaz and his officers. Long and narrow, the
refectory features fabulous vaulting and rope-like Manueline moldings and the panel on the north wall depicts the biblical story of the feeding of the 5000.

3 – South Portal
Built between 1516 and 1518 by João de Castilho, the South Portal is the visual center of the Monastery's façade facing the River Tagus. Despite its sumptuous detail, however, it is merely a side entrance.

4 – Chapter House
Completed only in the 19th century, the Chapter House or Chapter Room is called so as it is the place of regular meetings between monks, which begin with a reading of a chapter from the Book of Rules. It houses the tomb of Alexandre Herculano.

5 – West Portal
While it is smaller and less detailed than the South Portal, from the architectural and theological viewpoints this is, nowadays, the Monastery's main entrance. The portal was a design of the French sculptor Nicolau Chanterène and shows a Manueline decoration.

Top 5 – Lisbon Museums

Lisbon has some of Europe’s best museums, with unique, private and public collections, that are an important part of the Portuguese history.

Today we introduce you to the ones that, in our opinion, cannot be missed when visiting the city.

1 - Museu Nacional do Azulejo
We’ve already dedicated a full article to this museum; it is one of the tourists’ favorites and for a very good reason, as it is located in a stunning convent and church covered in tiles. It displays several step-by-step exhibits of tile-making so that visitors can see how it combines practical uses with
decorative ends.

2 – Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
Another museum already covered in our blog and, without a doubt, the most important museum in Portugal, featuring some priceless national and international works, including paintings, sculptures, textiles and decorative arts.

3 - Museu Nacional dos Coches
Recently relocated to a new modern building, as we announced, the coach museum is one of Lisbon’s most highly considered and popular museums, for its 52 horse-drawn coaches’ collection of for the connection they create with the past.

4 – Museu Collecção Berardo Arte Moderna e Contemporânea
One if the world’s largest and richest collection of modern art gathered by José Berardo, features around 1.000 works, from canvas and sculptures to video installations.


5 – Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Last but not least, the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, a rare extravagance as it covers so much in such a manageable way. The visit won’t be completed without a stroll through its large gardens.

Top 5 – Sintra

It is probably one of the most visit villages and most important cultural landmarks in Portugal, Sintra it’s one place you can’t miss.

Recognized in 1995 as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Sintra was the summer retreat of Portuguese kings from the 13th to the late 19th centuries. Its unique characteristics, a cooler climate, ample green spaces and a romantic atmosphere makes Sintra the perfect hideaway.

Photo PSML Nuno Cardal

Sintra has much to offer and today we will focus on the Top 5 features not to miss:

1 – Monserrate
With their fantastic palace and beautiful gardens, Monserrate Palace combines gothic and Indian influences as well as Moorish suggestions featuring a wide variety of exotic plants.

2 – Palácio Nacional da Pena
Built in 19th-century, Palácio Nacional da Pena is the result of the creative genius of Rei D. Fernando II. Preserved as it was when the royal family lived there is the greatest expression of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal.

3 – Quinta da Regaleira
This lavish palace was built between 1904 and 1910 and is one of the most surprising of all Sintra monuments.

4 – Castelo dos Mouros
The 8th-century castle allows you to admire along the surround paths, through rocks, trees and on cliffs, a unique landscape that stretches to the Atlantic Ocean.

5 – Palácio Nacional de Sintra
The twin chimneys mark the former royal palace in a thousand-year history that began during the Muslin occupation of the Iberian Pennisula. With a captivating mix of styles some of the features such windows with surrounded arches or outdoor spaces in which one can hear the sound of water, underline the Moorish inspiration.

Top 5 – Places to eat canned products

Lisbon is full of new spots to taste the traditional Portuguese cuisine, especially the now famous canned products.

As mentioned on our last post, these days the canned products, Sardinhas, Cavala, Anchovas etc., are gourmet products and have created its own niche introducing several new spaces in Lisbon.

Today we are going to introduce you to 5 of those places. Restaurants, Bars and stores where you will find that the offer is diverse.

1 – Restaurante Can the Can
Opened in June 2012 in Praça do Comércio, it is a tribute to the national canned products and to Fado. It is a Coffee Shop and a snacks’ restaurant, where the traditional canned products are also gourmet items which you can also find dispersed through the walls and tables as decoration.

2 – A Taverna da Rua das Flores
On the entrance you’ll find a sign that says Mercearia (Groceries Shop), which is not a mistake
because this old-fashioned tavern also sales some of the Portuguese traditional products used to make some of the meals served here. Located in Chiado, it opened in March 2012 and recreates a certain atmosphere from the past.

 3 – Mercado da Saudade
Opened in 2012, it is a grocery store / coffee shop dedicated exclusively to genuine Portuguese products. From ham to cheese, coffee, jam, canned fish, wine and much more. In a relaxed and casual atmosphere, one can enjoy the best that Portugal has to offer.

4 – Restaurante 2 à Esquina, Iguarias e Petiscos
Dedicated to snacks and Portuguese delicacies, 2 à Esquina brings back the tradition of popular gastronomy in a warm and refined atmosphere. Opened in April 2012 it aims to combine the traditional cuisine to the modernity of a young and dynamic team.

5 – Maria do Mar – Conservas e Degustação
Last but not least, Maria do Mar is a store dedicated exclusively to national canned products, but it also offers a tasting room to enjoy these much appreciated snacks.

Top 5 – Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Today, we will dive into one of the most visited museums of Lisbon and one of the most important in Portugal. 

The Museu Nacional do Azulejo or National Tile Museum is one of the most important national museums, for its unique collection - the Azulejo (tile), an artistic expression which distinguishes the Portuguese culture, and for the building where it is located - the ancient Convent of Madre de Deus, founded in 1509.

The art of tile making is a Moorish inheritance, much adapted – most noticeably in the addition of human figurative motifs, forbidden by Islam.

The collections on display allow you to make an expedition through the tile history, from the fifteenth century to the present day.

We will describe you the Top 5 features you can’t miss when visiting the Museu Nacional do Azulejo.

1 – Tile-making Exhibit
Step-by-step exhibits of tile-making, from a lump of clay to the final glazing, help visitors to see how it combines practical uses with decorative ends.

2 – Madre de Deus Church
The magnificent barrel-vaulted convent church is the result of three centuries of construction and decoration, and contains enough paintings to fill a gallery.

3 – Moorish Tiles
With their attractive geometrical patterns, varied color palettes, and glazing techniques, Moorish tiles continue to be an inspiration to tile-makers and home decorators alike.

4 – Manueline Cloister
This small but stunning cloister is one of the few surviving features of the original convent of Madre de Deus.

5 – Lisbon Panel
On the second floor of the main cloister and 23m long you can see the Lisbon Panel, a vast tiled panorama of Lisbon, a captivating representation of the city’s waterfront as it was before the great earthquake.